Sony Xperia Z1 has been barred from getting the Android 6.0 Marshmallow update, as speculated. The device, however, will have the chance to get an unofficial upgrade via custom ROM.
When Sony revealed in late September its plans for Android 6.0 Marshmallow upgrade, reports sparked when the original Xperia Z1 device was not included in the list. This prompted speculations that the device might not be able to get the latest Android upgrade along with a few others.
Per report from Android Pit, Sony Xperia Z1 cannot qualify to the storage requirement for Marshmallow, as it comes heavy. In another view, many believed that the smartphone is still eligible for the update. Thus, its exclusion from the list should only mean it is on top of the priority list of Sony. However, there is no closure until now coming from the Japanese tech manufacturer.
Meanwhile, a custom ROM based on the Android 6.0 Marshmallow build was developed by XDA and has been released to Xperia Z1. To install the unofficial software:
1. Download CyanogenMod Android 6.0 Marshmallow custom ROM and Google Apps to PC.
2. Download Cyanogen Recovery.
3. Plug in Sony Xperia Z1 to PC using a USB cable. Ensure that the USB driver software is installed to PC before plugging.
4. Copy all downloaded files to device's SD card's root folder memory.
5. Ensure the device is rooted and has installed ClockworkMod Recovery/TWRP tool before proceeding to installation.
6. Turn off device and disconnect from PC.
7. Press hold volume down and power button simultaneously to enter Recovery mode.
8. Wipe data or factory reset device.
9. Clear cache memory via 'wipe cache partition.'
10. Go back to Recovery mode.
11. Choose 'Advanced'.
12. Click 'wipe dalvik cache.'
13. Go back to Recovery mode again.
14. Click 'install zip from SD card.'
15. Click 'choose zip from SD card.'
16. Go to Android ROM .zip file in SD card and install.
17. Go to Google Apps .zip file in SD card and install.
18. When finished installing, go to '+++++Go Back+++++.'
19. Reboot device.
The developer advised phone owners to download the software at their own expense. Make sure that the device is charged at least 50% to prevent interruption.
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